One of the most magnificent titles given to Christ is that of the complete and perfect King. In Colossians 1, Paul reflected on both the might and majesty of the risen Jesus as he detailed the immensity of the hope we find in His name.

Amidst the darkness of the crucifixion story, the promise of new life in Jesus sprang forth. In this lesson, the truth of Christ’s victory became known first to His closest followers and then was spread throughout the rest of the world.

In the events leading up to His crucifixion, the King of Glory faced criminal charges based on His claim to kingship. He was unwilling to save Himself, that He might save US instead through suffering and dying on our behalf. He who knew no sin experienced the depth of separation from the Father so that we would not have to endure such darkness!

All four Gospel account of Jesus’ trial revealed the innocence of the Son of Man amid the injustice of the court’s proceedings. From the plotting of the chief priests to the scoffing of those in the crowd, each detail revealed the reality of the Savior’s choice to step forward as the substitute for our sins. Jesus was innocent, despite false testimonies and kept his composure through it all.

Throughout the old covenant, priests were necessary to represent the people before God and make atonement for sin. However, past priests were not sinless, and so could not fully pay for the sins of their fellow man. Jesus WAS perfect, which is why he was the perfect priest and sacrifice, to atone for our sins and represent humanity. Fully God & fully Man!

Christ’s arrest and betrayal remain some of the darkest accounts we read in the Scripture. The sinless Savior experienced rejection at the hands of His closest friends, knowing the darkness of death He would soon encounter in the hours that followed.

The time came nearer for Jesus and His disciples to celebrate Passover together. Christ knew the betrayal would take place soon, yet He earnestly desired to break bread and recline at the table with His closest friends. He was aware of the suffering that was soon to come, too, yet He still took to the cross for our salvation.

The Gospels shared the recount of Christ’s anointing in the last days before Passover. As Christ, His disciples, and friends all gathered to remember what God had done for His people so long ago. During this time, Mary anointed Jesus in honor of what Jesus was about to do for us.

In this passage we look at taking action. Jesus shares a parable demonstrating being doers of the Word rather than mere hearers. We get to see how different servants in this story are faced with choices after their master gives them instructions.

The Pharisees and Sadducees showed an unloving nature. Jesus warned these religious leaders against making so much of themselves that they were blind to their own need for a Savior.

The Pharisees and Sadducees had heard and witnessed so much about Jesus but were determined to be the ones to put Him in His place. They sought to do so by means of their own worldly wisdom, however, they weren't able to because their wisdom was flawed.

Jesus continued to fulfill the Old Testament requirement for the coming Messiah. The crowds were welcoming of Jesus and his disciples as they hoped that He would be the long-awaited King. However, most would miss Christ’s purpose to not merely sit on an earthly throne, but to save the world by creating a way to have a restored relationship with God.

Jesus had a specific purpose in everything He did. However, He was not always understood by his disciples. Jesus took time to explain His parables and we see this when Jesus talks in Matthew 13 about God’s Kingdom.

Jesus shared parables to emphasize his message to those around. It is from these parables we can see God’s heart and who He cares for. As we read Luke 15, we see how God’s love is shown to the world.

In Matthew 6, Jesus spoke during the Sermon on the Mount of several actions that true and genuine belief will produce. Jesus speaks of giving, prayer, fasting, and holding a right perspective. He emphasized the subject of faith and works so we can have a right perspective in both areas of life.

The beginning of The Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 contains what we often call the “Beatitudes.” In these passages we get to see from Jesus’ perspective of the world and how we should live our lives with character.

When someone you know is sick, how do you respond? Do you press in with compassion and prayer, offering to take a meal? are you temped to withdraw and leave their needs to others? In today’s passage, we will see Jesus repeatedly draw near to people in their time of need.

When Jesus calmed the storm, we read that His disciples experienced tremendous fear. Their fear was so great, they believed they would perish in the storm. Yet, Jesus experiences the same violent storm and rather than quake in fear, He slept.

Jesus’ death and resurrection are what we celebrate during Easter. We celebrate because Jesus helped humanity’s broken relationship with God, and His actions created a way to mend that broken relationship. He became our Savior, taking the penalty of our sins upon Himself. However, we don’t just serve a Savior who willingly died for us - but also rose from the dead! Hallelujah!

Waiting can be difficult, but when the wait is over it is so worth it and we can get so excited. This is what was happening as Jesus entered Jerusalem. People yelled, waved palm branches, and laid their coats down. They celebrated Jesus. Little did they realize Jesus would save His people in a way very different than anticipated. During the Passover meal with his disciples, Jesus was preparing Himself and his disciples for the work He was about to do.